On Friday, September 13, Comoros President Azali Assoumani was wounded in a knife attack, according to government officials. Sources close to the presidency confirmed that while he was stabbed, his injuries are minor.
Government spokeswoman Fatima Ahamadael reported to AFP, “The head of state was the victim of an attack in Salimani-Itsandra,” an area near the capital, Moroni. “Thank God, his life is not in danger.”
She did not provide additional details, but a source close to President Assoumani mentioned that he was slightly injured by a knife while attending a funeral. The source added, “The injuries are not serious,” and noted that the attacker has been apprehended.
Two other sources close to the presidency confirmed that the president’s injuries were minor. “The president has received appropriate care. He is out of danger,” one source told AFP, requesting anonymity. The source also revealed that the attacker was a young “active-duty gendarme” recruited in 2022.
No further details were immediately available.
President Assoumani, aged 65, who previously ruled as a military leader and returned to power in a controversial election in January, has faced criticism for increasing authoritarianism.
